3rd Saturday Volunteer Day September
2026-09-19 08:30 - 12:00 UTC | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States
Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space.
Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help preserve the garden’s tranquility and charm. No prior gardening experience is necessary—our team will provide guidance and tools.
Bring your enthusiasm, comfortable clothing, and a spirit of teamwork! Together, we can ensure Shinzen Garden remains a vibrant sanctuary for all to enjoy.
What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, gloves, water bottle, and a hat.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Kokedama Workshop Sept
2026-09-19 10:00 - 12:00
Step into the garden and discover the calming art of Kokedama, the Japanese technique of creating living “moss balls” that blend nature and design. In this hands-on workshop at Shinzen Garden, you’ll learn how to shape, plant, and wrap your own kokedama while enjoying the serene beauty of the garden around you. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll create a unique, low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for displaying in your home or gifting to someone special. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or a curious beginner, this workshop offers a peaceful, creative escape—and a beautiful piece to take home.
Pre-registration is required.

Meet your instructor
Blume & Vine
Blume & Vine was born from the belief that flowers are more than decoration, they are markers of life, memory, and meaning. From celebration to grief, from the quiet moments in between to the milestones that shape us, flowers tell our stories when words fall short. Founded in Clovis, California, Blume & Vine is a modern floral studio dedicated to intentional design, sustainable practices, and honest connection. Every arrangement is crafted with care, using a blend of fresh, dried, and locally sourced blooms to reflect the emotion behind the moment.
Our shop is inspired by the rhythm of real life a balance of softness and grit, beauty and imperfection, bloom and root. We honor the full spectrum of human experience through thoughtful floral design that feels personal, warm, and deeply grounded. Whether we’re creating wedding flowers, memorial pieces, everyday bouquets, or custom installations, our goal is simple: to create florals that feel like they belong to your story.

Seasons of the Page Non-Fiction Writing Workshop
2026-09-19 10:00 - 12:00
Seasons of the Page: Non-Fiction Writing
Every story has a season. In this engaging writing workshop at Shinzen Garden, participants will explore the art of non-fiction writing—learning how to transform personal experiences, observations, and real-life moments into compelling narratives.
Inspired by the changing seasons and quiet beauty of the garden, this workshop will guide writers through techniques used in memoir, personal essays, and reflective storytelling. Through thoughtful prompts and guided exercises, participants will learn how to find meaningful stories in everyday life, shape them with clarity and voice, and bring authenticity to the page.
Writers of all experience levels are welcome. Whether you are interested in journaling, memoir writing, personal essays, or simply exploring true stories from your own life, this workshop provides a supportive environment to develop ideas, experiment with narrative structure, and deepen your writing practice.
Join us for an inspiring session where the rhythms of nature help spark reflection, creativity, and the stories waiting to be written.
Space is limited and advance registration is required. Proceeds from this workshop support the ongoing care and cultural programming of Shinzen Garden.
Meet the instructor:
Jackie Williams has an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Fresno State and has taught English composition, literature, and creative writing around the Central Valley since 2010. She currently teaches at Fresno City College and lives in Clovis with her family and many pets. Jackie loves learning new things from cookie decorating to woodworking and looks forward to guiding you through some generative writing exercises in the beautiful backdrop of Shinzen Garden.

September Koi Watercolor Class
2026-09-26 10:00 - 12:00
Let your brush flow like water in this botanical watercolor class inspired by the koi of Shinzen Garden on September 26, 2026. Participants will learn watercolor techniques while capturing the graceful movement, vibrant colors, and symbolic beauty of koi swimming among lotus and reflections. This class is welcoming to all skill levels and offers a peaceful, hands-on creative experience set within the garden’s serene surroundings. You’ll leave with a finished painting—and a moment of calm you can carry with you long after the class ends.
Pre-registration is required.

Meet your instructor: Noelle Correia – Born under a full moon in Scorpio in Fresno, California, after spending time tinkering around at her father’s auto repair/welding shop as a child, Noelle began to create an imaginary world out of carpenter’s chalk drawings of discarded car parts. This world turned the industrial environment of downtown Fresno into a delusional paradise. Noelle left Fresno at eighteen but took her imaginary world with her and continues to process the nuance and grit of everyday cultural collision through fluvial imagery.
Her creative process begins with color. Noelle is inspired by how the color schemes pop in biodiversity, such as a poisonous dart frog’s epidermal layers resting on a muted green leaf. The biodiverse thread within her creative practice is that of Botanical Surrealism. She begins her work by thinking about the relationship between emotions and color and allows color theory to drive the outcome. Symbols that represent the feminine mystique and practical magic are a reoccurring thematic backdrop. The process has become a life metaphor in which she works through obstacles, obtains epiphanies, and understands herself as a tiny part of a much larger whole.
She conveys the beauty and complexities of human nature using texture, pattern, and narrative elements throughout her work. Her work has been exhibited in California Galleries and collectives exhibitions, including Radius Gallery, The Art Cave, The Art League of Santa Cruz County, Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, and Arte Americas. Noelle’s work further explores the botanical world through watercolor painting, paper-cut collage practices, and encaustic medium. Through wax, water, and human narratives of all kinds, Noelle creates a vibrant play on color and form.

Moments Between Leaves Writing Workshop
2026-10-10 10:00 - 12:00
Moments Between Leaves: Writing Small, Powerful Pieces
Sometimes the most meaningful writing comes in small moments. In this reflective workshop at Shinzen Garden, participants will explore how brief pieces of writing—short reflections, micro-essays, poetic prose, and snapshots of experience—can capture powerful ideas and emotions in just a few carefully chosen words.
Inspired by the quiet spaces, shifting light, and natural details of the garden, this workshop invites writers to slow down and notice the moments that often go unseen. Through guided prompts and creative exercises, participants will practice writing short, vivid pieces that focus on observation, memory, and feeling.
Writers of all levels are welcome. Whether you are new to writing or looking to refine your ability to express ideas concisely, this workshop offers a supportive space to experiment, write, and reflect. Participants will leave with a collection of small pieces and new tools for capturing meaningful moments on the page.
Join us for a creative experience where even the smallest observation can inspire something lasting.
Space is limited and advance registration is required. Proceeds from this workshop support the preservation and cultural programming of Shinzen Garden.
Meet Your Instructor:
Jackie Williams has an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Fresno State and has taught English composition, literature, and creative writing around the Central Valley since 2010. She currently teaches at Fresno City College and lives in Clovis with her family and many pets. Jackie loves learning new things from cookie decorating to woodworking and looks forward to guiding you through some generative writing exercises in the beautiful backdrop of Shinzen Garden.

3rd Saturday Volunteer Day October
2026-10-17 08:30 - 12:00
Join us Saturday, October 17, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space.
Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help preserve the garden’s tranquility and charm. No prior gardening experience is necessary—our team will provide guidance and tools.
Bring your enthusiasm, comfortable clothing, and a spirit of teamwork! Together, we can ensure Shinzen Garden remains a vibrant sanctuary for all to enjoy.
What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, gloves, water bottle, and a hat.
We look forward to seeing you there!

October Botanical Watercolor
2026-10-24 10:00 - 12:00
Slow down, look closely, and let nature guide your brush. In this botanical watercolor class at Shinzen Garden on October 24, 2026, participants will explore the delicate beauty of leaves, flowers, and seasonal plant life while learning foundational watercolor techniques in a serene garden setting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class offers gentle instruction, creative freedom, and plenty of inspiration drawn directly from the garden around you. Come paint, relax, and leave with a finished piece that captures a moment of Shinzen’s natural beauty.
Pre-registration is required.

Meet your instructor: Noelle Correia – Born under a full moon in Scorpio in Fresno, California, after spending time tinkering around at her father’s auto repair/welding shop as a child, Noelle began to create an imaginary world out of carpenter’s chalk drawings of discarded car parts. This world turned the industrial environment of downtown Fresno into a delusional paradise. Noelle left Fresno at eighteen but took her imaginary world with her and continues to process the nuance and grit of everyday cultural collision through fluvial imagery.
Her creative process begins with color. Noelle is inspired by how the color schemes pop in biodiversity, such as a poisonous dart frog’s epidermal layers resting on a muted green leaf. The biodiverse thread within her creative practice is that of Botanical Surrealism. She begins her work by thinking about the relationship between emotions and color and allows color theory to drive the outcome. Symbols that represent the feminine mystique and practical magic are a reoccurring thematic backdrop. The process has become a life metaphor in which she works through obstacles, obtains epiphanies, and understands herself as a tiny part of a much larger whole.
She conveys the beauty and complexities of human nature using texture, pattern, and narrative elements throughout her work. Her work has been exhibited in California Galleries and collectives exhibitions, including Radius Gallery, The Art Cave, The Art League of Santa Cruz County, Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, and Arte Americas. Noelle’s work further explores the botanical world through watercolor painting, paper-cut collage practices, and encaustic medium. Through wax, water, and human narratives of all kinds, Noelle creates a vibrant play on color and form.

Blumes and Tea
2026-10-24 13:00 - 15:00
Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Blumes & Tea, a delightful workshop held in the serene setting of Shinzen Garden. Registered attendees will enjoy sipping traditional Japanese tea while learning to create a fresh, seasonal floral bouquet inspired by the garden’s natural elegance. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll explore balance, color, and texture as you design a bouquet to take home. This soothing, creative experience is perfect for flower lovers, tea enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
Pre-registration is required.

Meet your instructor:
Blume and Vine – Blume & Vine was born from the belief that flowers are more than decoration, they are markers of life, memory, and meaning. From celebration to grief, from the quiet moments in between to the milestones that shape us, flowers tell our stories when words fall short. Founded in Clovis, California, Blume & Vine is a modern floral studio dedicated to intentional design, sustainable practices, and honest connection. Every arrangement is crafted with care, using a blend of fresh, dried, and locally sourced blooms to reflect the emotion behind the moment. Our shop is inspired by the rhythm of real life a balance of softness and grit, beauty and imperfection, bloom and root. We honor the full spectrum of human experience through thoughtful floral design that feels personal, warm, and deeply grounded. Whether we’re creating wedding flowers, memorial pieces, everyday bouquets, or custom installations, our goal is simple: to create florals that feel like they belong to your story.

3rd Saturday Volunteer Day November
2026-11-21 08:30 - 12:00
Join us Saturday, November 21, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space.
Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help preserve the garden’s tranquility and charm. No prior gardening experience is necessary—our team will provide guidance and tools.
Bring your enthusiasm, comfortable clothing, and a spirit of teamwork! Together, we can ensure Shinzen Garden remains a vibrant sanctuary for all to enjoy.
What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, gloves, water bottle, and a hat.
We look forward to seeing you there!
